Every year, thousands of Filipinos dream of better opportunities overseas. Unfortunately, scammers know this—and they’re getting smarter. Fake recruiters, social media agents, and even bogus agencies prey on hope, urgency, and lack of information.
If you’re wondering how to avoid job scams abroad, keep on reading to learn what OFWs wish they had known before getting scammed.
5 Essential Ways to Avoid Job Scams Abroad
1. Verify the Recruiter or Agency Through DMW
Always confirm if a recruiter or agency is officially licensed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
- Visit: dmw.gov.ph
- Use their “Licensed Agencies” search tool
- Check for active job orders, license numbers, and complaint history
Note: Even if an agent says they’re “connected”—verify it. No license, no deal.
2. Be Wary of Red Flags
Here’s what experienced OFWs flag as signs of trouble:
- Too-good-to-be-true offers (high pay, low requirements)
- No clear job description or vague company info
- Requests for upfront payment “to secure your slot”
- Rushed deadlines: “You have to decide today!”
- Only communicates through Facebook or WhatsApp
Tip: Trust your gut. If it feels off, it probably is.
3. Avoid Social Media “Shortcuts”
Scammers often pose as recruiters in Facebook groups or TikTok videos offering direct-hire jobs abroad. They lure applicants through:
- Fake job posts
- Testimonials from supposed “successful deployments”
- Messenger chats asking for IDs, passport info, or payments
Note: Only trust job listings from accredited agencies or official job portals (e.g., JobStreet, WorkAbroad.ph).
Get to know the various ways to land a job offer from Taiwan the legal way by reading How to Verify a Job Agency Before Working in Taiwan.
4. Protect Your Personal Info at All Costs
Never share sensitive data—like your passport, bank account, or medical results—with recruiters unless they’re verified. Scammers use this information to:
- Steal your identity
- Create fake documents
- Drain your bank accounts
Note: If you’re unsure, stop and verify before sharing anything.
5. Report Suspicious Recruiters
If something feels wrong or someone tried to scam you:
- DMW Hotline: 1326
- Cybercrime Investigation & Coordinating Center (CICC): https://cicc.gov.ph
- Report fake agencies or job offers via email or your nearest DMW office
Note: Reporting helps protect others—and strengthens enforcement against scammers.
Common Job Scam Tactics (Modus Operandi)
| Modus | What to Watch For |
| Fake Job Posts | Ads on Facebook with no real company behind them |
| Advance Payment Scams | Requests for visa fees or training costs, then ghosting |
| Work-from-Home Schemes | High-earning jobs with upfront investment |
| Fake Employers | Impersonators pretending to be from real companies |
| Romance or Rescue Scams | Emotional manipulation tied to overseas job opportunities |
Tools & Methods to Spot a Job Scam
| Tool/Platform | How It Helps |
| dmw.gov.ph | Check agency licenses and active job orders |
| Secure Job Portals (JobStreet, etc.) | Employer-verified job listings |
| Google & Social Media Reviews | Look for consistent complaints or bad reviews |
| Cybersecurity Blogs (e.g. McAfee) | Tips on phishing, job scams, and online safety practices |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to apply for overseas jobs via Facebook groups?
No. Most legitimate jobs abroad are not posted casually on social media. Always verify the agency or use official portals. - Can DMW help if I already sent money to a fake recruiter?
Yes. Report immediately through their hotline or the nearest regional office. They may refer the case to legal support or cybercrime units. - How do I know if a job order is real?
Search the job order by position or agency on the DMW website. If it doesn’t appear, it’s not legitimate. - What’s the fastest way to verify a recruiter?
Check the DMW agency list and call their office directly. Do not rely on screenshots or word-of-mouth alone.
Video: Filipinos urged to go through ‘legal channels’ amid recruitment scam | ANC
Filipino job seekers are urged to be cautious when applying for work abroad and to go through legal recruitment channels amid rising scams. In this interview, DMW Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac discusses the dangers of illegal recruiters who exploit migrant workers with fraudulent job offers.
To protect themselves, applicants should verify recruitment agencies, confirm job orders, and apply only through government-accredited programs like the Special Hiring Program for Taiwan (SHPT). Avoid unverified online job postings and beware of upfront fees demanded by unauthorized agents.
Watch this video to learn more about how to safely apply for overseas jobs, prevent scams, and ensure a secure and legal migration process.
Final Thoughts
Working abroad is a huge step—and it should be a safe one. Scammers thrive on urgency and lack of information. But now that you know how to avoid job scams abroad, you’ve got the power to say no to fraud and yes to a future built on real opportunities.
Stay smart. Stay legal. Stay protected.